The Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast: Pass the Bar Exam with Less Stress

Bar Exam Toolbox

The Bar Exam Toolbox podcast helps bar takers pass with less stress and anxiety. Hosted by bar exam experts Lee Burgess and Alison Monahan, the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast covers a wide variety of topics, ranging from how to learn and memorize all the law you need to know for the bar exam, to how to write a passing essay, to how to get bar exam accommodations. If you're struggling with the bar exam, or work with students who are, tune in for practical strategies for bar exam success!

  1. 3d ago

    The Mode Effect – Studying for a Screen-Based Bar Exam

    Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today we're talking about "the mode effect" -- or why people can score worse on a test just because it's on a screen instead of on paper. We cover how the NextGen bar exam is different, strategies for adapting to screen-based testing, the importance of active recall and spaced repetition in studying, and the hidden costs of task switching and interruptions during bar prep. In this episode, we discuss: Why and how the bar exam is changing What is "the mode effect"? How you actually learn: tech tools, paper, and people The cost of task switching The science behind our RAMP study tool Resources: Private Bar Exam Tutoring (https://barexamtoolbox.com/private-bar-exam-tutoring/) RAMP: Adaptive Bar Exam Prep for the NextGen bar exam (https://barexamtoolbox.com/ramp/) RAMP: Adaptive Bar Exam Prep for the Legacy UBE (https://barexamtoolbox.com/ramp-legacy-ube/) RAMP: Adaptive Bar Exam Prep for the MBE (https://barexamtoolbox.com/ramp-mbe-only/) The Digital Delusion, by Jared Cooney Horvath (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GTT491HL?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback) Podcast Episode 191: Quick Tips – Using Spaced Repetition to Memorize (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-191-quick-tips-using-spaced-repetition-to-memorize/) Podcast Episode 223: Quick Tips – Balancing Passive and Active Studying for the Bar Exam (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-223-quick-tips-balancing-passive-and-active-studying-for-the-bar-exam/) Podcast Episode 255: Quick Tips – Best Bar Exam Study Habits for Takers w/ADHD (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-255-quick-tips-best-bar-exam-study-habits-for-takers-w-adhd/) Podcast Episode 349: This Is How Your Brain Actually Learns (The Brain Science Behind Our RAMP Tool) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-349-this-is-how-your-brain-actually-learns-the-brain-science-behind-our-ramp-tool/) 5 Bar Exam Study Tips for Visual Learners (https://barexamtoolbox.com/5-bar-exam-study-tips-for-visual-learners/) How to Pass the Bar by Doing What Makes You the Most Uncomfortable (https://barexamtoolbox.com/how-to-pass-the-bar-by-doing-what-makes-you-the-most-uncomfortable/) NextGen Bar Exam Technology Requirements: What Is the New Digital Reality? (https://barexamtoolbox.com/nextgen-bar-exam-technology-requirements-what-is-the-new-digital-reality/) Reading on Screens – Where Will You Encounter It? (https://barexamtoolbox.com/reading-on-screens-where-will-you-encounter-it/) Is Social Media Destroying Our Ability to Focus? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5DGWHxZVxs&list=PLT5txTOjOHmS5cQa7_tvCaTs4xP-FFFAW) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-364-the-mode-effect-studying-for-a-screen-based-bar-exam/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on  Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

  2. Nov 2

    Listen and Learn -- NextGen Multiple Choice: The Statute of Frauds (Common Law)

    Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today we're discussing the Statute of Frauds in common law -- specifically, the one-year provision and transfer of interest in land. We'll analyze two multiple-choice questions in the new NextGen bar exam style. In this episode, we discuss: An overview of the Statute of Frauds in contracts The one-year provision and transfer of interest in land Question 1: Services contract Question 2: Issue-spotting Study tips for multiple-choice questions RAMP study tool Resources: RAMP: Adaptive Bar Exam Prep (https://barexamtoolbox.com/what-is-ramp-bar-prep/) Podcast Episode 102: Listen and Learn – The Statute of Frauds (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-102-listen-and-learn-the-statute-of-frauds/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-363-listen-and-learn-nextgen-multiple-choice-the-statute-of-frauds-common-law/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

  3. Oct 26

    Listen and Learn -- NextGen Multiple Choice: Miranda Warnings

    Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today we're working through the two triggers that decide whether Miranda warnings were owed, as well as how a suspect invokes or waives the right to silence or counsel. We'll analyze two multiple-choice questions in the new NextGen bar exam style. In this episode, we discuss: An overview of the triggers for Miranda warnings Invocation vs. waiver of the right to silence or counsel Question 1: Custody analysis Question 2: Invocation analysis Study tips for multiple-choice questions RAMP study tool Resources: RAMP: Adaptive Bar Exam Prep (https://barexamtoolbox.com/what-is-ramp-bar-prep/) Podcast Episode 128: Listen and Learn – Privilege Against Self-Incrimination and Miranda Rights (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-128-listen-and-learn-privilege-against-self-incrimination-and-miranda-rights/) Podcast Episode 141: Listen and Learn – The Fourth Amendment (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-141-listen-and-learn-the-fourth-amendment/) Podcast Episode 157: Listen and Learn – The Sixth Amendment (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-157-listen-and-learn-the-sixth-amendment/) Podcast Episode 228: Listen and Learn – Criminal Procedure: Miranda Warnings (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-228-listen-and-learn-criminal-procedure-miranda-warnings/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-362-listen-and-learn-nextgen-multiple-choice-miranda-warnings/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

  4. Oct 19

    Listen and Learn -- MBE vs. NextGen Multiple Choice: Intentional Torts

    Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today we're working through four multiple-choice questions on intentional torts -- two in the classic MBE style, two in the new NextGen style. What differences can you expect between the two exam versions? Find out now! In this episode, we discuss: Question 1: Assault, battery, and transferred intent (MBE) Question 2: Consent and its scope (MBE) Question 3: Consent and its scope (NextGen) Question 4: Issue-spotting (NextGen) Study tips for multiple-choice questions RAMP study tool Resources: RAMP: Adaptive Bar Exam Prep (https://barexamtoolbox.com/what-is-ramp-bar-prep/) Podcast Episode 103: Listen and Learn – Assault and Battery (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-103-listen-and-learn-assault-and-battery/) Podcast Episode 252: Listen and Learn – Property-Based Intentional Torts (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-252-listen-and-learn-property-based-intentional-torts/) Podcast Episode 314: Listen and Learn – False Imprisonment and Shopkeeper's Privilege (Torts) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-314-listen-and-learn-false-imprisonment-and-shopkeepers-privilege-torts/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-361-listen-and-learn-mbe-vs-nextgen-multiple-choice-intentional-torts/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

  5. Oct 12

    Most Bar Prep Wasn't Built for an ADHD Brain

    Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In this episode we look at the features of standard bar prep programs that make them poorly suited for students with ADHD and other learning differences. We offer practical fixes -- such as short study blocks, externalized planning, open-book practice, and self-aware scheduling -- that benefit anyone struggling with attention and burnout during bar study. In this episode, we discuss: Where bar prep fails students with ADHD How standard bar prep is built What you can shift to make studying better suited for your brain How to study if you're a retaker What our RAMP bar prep tool looks like Resources: Private Bar Exam Tutoring (https://barexamtoolbox.com/private-bar-exam-tutoring/) RAMP: Adaptive Bar Exam Prep (https://barexamtoolbox.com/what-is-ramp-bar-prep/) Podcast Episode 255: Quick Tips – Best Bar Exam Study Habits for Takers w/ADHD (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-255-quick-tips-best-bar-exam-study-habits-for-takers-w-adhd/) Podcast Episode 261: Quick Tips – Bar Exam Accommodations Basics (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-261-quick-tips-bar-exam-accommodations-basics/) Podcast Episode 349: This Is How Your Brain Actually Learns (The Brain Science Behind Our RAMP Tool) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-349-this-is-how-your-brain-actually-learns-the-brain-science-behind-our-ramp-tool/) Podcast Episode 357: Can AI Be Your Bar Exam Tutor? (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-357-can-ai-be-your-bar-exam-tutor/) Bar Exam Success with ADHD: A Comprehensive Study Guide for Neurodivergent Law Students (https://barexamtoolbox.com/bar-exam-success-with-adhd-a-comprehensive-study-guide-for-neurodivergent-law-students/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-360-most-bar-prep-wasnt-built-for-an-adhd-brain/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on  Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

  6. Oct 5

    Listen and Learn -- MBE vs. NextGen Multiple Choice: Real Property Easements

    Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today we're working through four questions on real property -- two in the classic MBE style, two in the new NextGen style. We cover how easements are created and terminated, and we touch on the topic of real estate sales contracts. In this episode, we discuss: Question 1: Creation of easements (MBE) Question 2: Scope and termination of easements (MBE) Question 3: Scope and termination of easements (NextGen) Question 4: Issue-spotting (NextGen) Study tips for multiple-choice questions RAMP study tool Resources: RAMP: Adaptive Bar Exam Prep (https://barexamtoolbox.com/what-is-ramp-bar-prep/) Podcast Episode 122: Listen and Learn – Easements (Real Property) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-epiusode-122-listen-and-learn-easements-real-property/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-359-listen-and-learn-mbe-vs-nextgen-multiple-choice-real-property-easements/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

  7. Sep 28

    What We're Learning from the July 2026 Bar Results

    Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today we're discussing what we have learned so far from the July 2026 bar exam results, noting why sometimes there is a discrepancy between how people felt they did versus the actual score they received. We share some recommendations for unsuccessful takers, including analyzing score reports, honestly auditing weaknesses, and changing study methods -- especially considering the NextGen transition ahead.  In this episode, we discuss: July 2026 bar results are starting to roll in -- what are bar takers sharing so far? Why self-assessment of how you did can be unreliable How to audit your exam results if you failed Handling the waiting period for results -- what to do instead of worrying Resources: Private Bar Exam Tutoring (https://barexamtoolbox.com/private-bar-exam-tutoring/) https://barexamtoolbox.com/ramp (https://barexamtoolbox.com/ramp) Podcast Episode 357: Can AI Be Your Bar Exam Tutor? (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-357-can-ai-be-your-bar-exam-tutor/) Five Famous People Who Failed the Bar (https://barexamtoolbox.com/five-famous-people-who-failed-the-bar/) Just Took the Bar Exam? Why You Shouldn't Obsess Over Results (https://barexamtoolbox.com/just-took-the-bar-exam-why-you-shouldnt-obsess-over-results/) How to Handle the Waiting Period for Bar Results (https://barexamtoolbox.com/how-to-handle-the-waiting-period-for-bar-results/) 25 Ways to Distract Yourself from Bar Results (https://barexamtoolbox.com/25-ways-distract-bar-results/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-358-what-were-learning-from-the-july-2026-bar-results/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on  Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

  8. Sep 14

    Can AI Be Your Bar Exam Tutor?

    Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In this episode, we discuss whether AI can effectively serve as a bar exam tutor, weighing its usefulness for scheduling, pattern-spotting, and simplifying admin tasks against its weaknesses, such as unreliable feedback and using outdated legal content. In this episode, we discuss: Recent headlines around the bar exam and AI use Where AI goes wrong in bar prep The failure of the California bar experiment Smart ways to use AI as a bar studier Resources: https://barexamtoolbox.com/ramp (https://barexamtoolbox.com/ramp) The New York Times: I'm Begging You: Never Write With A.I. (https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/04/opinion/artificial-intelligence-ai-writing.html) NCBE Announces National Mean for July 2026 MBE (https://www.ncbex.org/news-resources/ncbe-announces-national-mean-july-2026-mbe) NextGen UBE Content Scope (https://www.ncbex.org/exams/nextgen/content-scope) Pomodoro Technique (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique) Need to Get More Done in Law School? Try The Circles. (https://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/08/tips-time-management-awesomeness-with-the-circles/) Breaking: California Bar Exam Shakeup | New Kaplan Partnership Explained (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0UAx2fdPI8&list=PLT5txTOjOHmTwR9HiPiib3N-STp7PxM-O&index=15&t=376s) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-357-can-ai-be-your-bar-exam-tutor/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on  Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

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About

The Bar Exam Toolbox podcast helps bar takers pass with less stress and anxiety. Hosted by bar exam experts Lee Burgess and Alison Monahan, the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast covers a wide variety of topics, ranging from how to learn and memorize all the law you need to know for the bar exam, to how to write a passing essay, to how to get bar exam accommodations. If you're struggling with the bar exam, or work with students who are, tune in for practical strategies for bar exam success!

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